Rick Kane + 1916 Easter Uprising = Stereo Story

On a recent visit to Belfast Rick Kane wrestled with his heritage and the Irish troubles. Then, in a lttle bar called Fibber Magee’s, he heard a song that ‘married the personal to the political, the blood of resistance to the marrow of love’.

Aussie Rules – Passion and Pain Exhibition

The Rotary Club of Caulfield is very active in the local community arts arena. They are taking submissions for next year’s footy themed exhibition, further details can be found here.

Almanac Short Story: Disservice with a smile

Barry Mitchell captures a modern phenomenon – and one that happens all too often.

Almanac Book Review – How the West was One: By Lucia Nardo

Lucia Nardo, who grew up in the West, presents another overview of the terrific new book How the West was One – which is available now.

Almanac Classic: An afternoon in Dusseldorf

Thebeaver has produced one of the more creative pieces of sports writing we’ve published in some time. But you be the judge.

#almanac280: “All played well”

Well, that took off! After a busy week of entries galore E. Regnans highlights a few rippers (you can still read all of them in the original post) and picks a winner. Thanks to everyone who had a go. They’re terrific. Let’s do this again. Suggestions for the next #almanac280 topic welcome. [Huge thanks ER – JTH]

Almanac Music: If you want blood – we got it

A heartfelt tribute to Malcolm Young and everything that AC/DC means to many

Almanac Art Auction: ‘Girls, First Season’ by Kate Birrell

Kate Birrell’s artwork commissioned to be the cover of The Women’s Footy Almanac 2017 is up for auction. It’s a terrific piece – and represents a significant moment. Find out more – and make a bid.

Almanac Writing Competition – Sport. Write from the heart: #almanac280

Step right up, writers, thinkers. And enter the #almanac280 competition. Write your best story inspired by our tagline “Sport. Write from the heart.” In 280 characters or less. Enter here.

We have a winner. [Check out our other post]

Almanac Athletics: So you want to run the world’s toughest half marathon?

Mick Jeffrey talks us through the experience of the Point to Pinnacle Half-Marathon in Hobart – dubbed the toughest in the world. (We’d rather you than us, Mick! – Ed)

Almanac Book Review – How the West was One

Blow-in Vin Maskell (who has only lived in the west since 1986) reviews the wonderful new collection of memoirs about growing up in the Melbourne’s Western Suburbs. How the West was One is a lovable book.

Yoshi in Melbourne: All-in-One City Tour organised by Freddy’s Bike Tour

Yoshi certainly kept busy while in Melbourne. Here he tells the story of the historical tour he did on Freddy’s Tour.

Stereo Stories’ final show for 2017 – this Saturday at Newport Bowls Club

Almanackers Smokie Dawson and Rick Kane will be front and centre at the final Stereo Stories concert for 2017. They’ll be amongst half-a-dozen writers sharing the stage with The Stereo Stories Band next Saturday night at the Newport Bowls Club, Melbourne.

Butler + hitchhiking + Chisel = Stereo Story

John Butler can make you laugh and he can make you – if not cry – then ponder the deeper moments. This time it’s via the Cold Chisel song My Turn To Cry.

The importance of story-telling seems to grow: Dirty dancing

David Wilson shares some recent observations on the importance of stories – in sport, politics, human existence. In all fields, the need remains to sort the stories that make sense from those that do not.

Driving with Jacqui: an afternoon with Senator Lambie

It has been interesting to observe the level and warmth of support for Jacqui Lambie in recent days. This piece, by Deakin University student gives an indication as to why. No matter what your political views, this was a terrific thing to do with (and for) a keen student. (First published in September, 2017)

Dana Morse is studying a Bachelor of Communications (Media) at Deakin University in Melbourne. From Tasmania, she recently spent time with Senator Jacqui Lambie and compiled this feature.

My life in music in the west by Mark Ferrie

In this extract from How the West was One, musician Mark Ferrie (Models, RocKwiz Orchestra) pays tribute to his friend, the late, great Ross Hannaford.

Almanac Book Review – How the West was One: Memoirs of Melbourne’s Western Suburbs

Kerrie Soraghan, whose father grew up in “the Paris End” of Footscray, sees “How the West was One” as a celebration of many families’ stories, including her own.

Almanac Book Review – How the West was One: Stories of Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.

Neil Anderson, who spent his early years in The West, reviews the How the West was One, which was launched on Nov 12 at the Yarraville Club.

How the West was One: Memoirs of Melbourne’s Western Suburbs (just released and launched)

Check out this terrific new collection of stories from people who grew up in the western suburbs. [This is an outline by one of the editors Karyn Howie, includes links to reviews.]